Justice News

Pelahatchie Man Sentenced to Over 21 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography

Jackson, Miss. – Kevin Douglas Jenkins, 35, of Pelahatchie, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 262 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for producing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze, and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. Jenkins was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000.

"Those who prey upon our most vulnerable will experience the full force and weight of the law upon them. Such wicked and evil acts committed against children are some of the worst crimes we investigate and prosecute. We will continue to marshal all levels of law enforcement and resources together to swiftly bring these individuals to justice, as well as deliver a measure of solace to victims," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.

"Producing child pornography is a serious crime that preys on our most vulnerable citizens," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Freeze. "If you are viewing, sharing or producing this kind of material, I encourage you to seek professional help, otherwise you could end up in prison like Mr. Jenkins. The cooperation of law enforcement at the local, state and federal level results in successful prosecutions and protects future victims from abuse by predators like this."

"We appreciate Judge Jordan and the agencies that worked together to put this pedophile behind bars where he deserves to be for producing child pornography videos of him molesting an innocent child," said Attorney General Hood. "This case is another example of how partnerships between agencies on a federal and state level is critical to help keep our children in Mississippi safe from these types of predators."

"This case is another example of cooperation between federal, state and local agencies all working together to make our community safer," said Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey. "The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the quick response and great relationship we have with our state and federal agencies.

Jenkins was charged after the minor child came forward to disclose Jenkins’s actions. A forensic examination of electronic devices and email revealed videos of Jenkins engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the minor child.

Jenkins was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2018. On January 25, 2019, Jenkins pled guilty to two counts of producing child pornography.

The case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Division's Child Exploitation Task Force, which is made up of agents from the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, and officers from the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office. The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Purdie.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.